CO129-496 - Public Offices - 1926 — Page 480

the ship now.

4.

I would invite attention to the fact that

under the Merchant Shipping Acts any company incorporated in this Colony, and having its principal place of business

here, is qualified to own a British ship, nor as Registrar

of Shipping has the Harbour Master any power to refuse

registration even if all the members of the company are alien.

As the Hong Kong Registry is a branch of the Imperial

Registry, any restrictive legislation would appear to be a

matter for the Imperial Authorities.

5..

Presumably a China Company is not qualified

to be the owner of a British ship because a China Company means a company limited by shares or by guarantee which is incorporated under the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance, and the operations of which are directed and controlled from some place within the limits of the China Order in Council.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient, humble servant,

Governor,

800.

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